These minutes are for informational purposes only. For official minutes contact either the Town Clerk's office or the First Selectman's office.
Board of Selectmen
Regular Meeting
January 10, 2000
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m. Present were First Selectman Anita Mielert, Deputy First Selectman Joel Mandell, William Garrity, John Romano, Madeleine Gilkey and Thomas Vincent. Also present were: Paul Fetherston, Assistant to the First Selectman, and other interested parties.
2. PUBLIC AUDIENCE
Evan Woollacott, 128 Terry's Plain Road, requested that the BOS vote on looking into the high school as an alternative site for the Hartford Symphony. He requested that an impact study be completed before the Great Meadow is disturbed.
Dan Crowley requested that the BOS rescind their order to invade the wildlife habitat at the Great Meadow. He suggested that residents call Mr. Mandell and voice their opinion on preserving the environment.
Margaret Albert, 9 Westridge Drive, protested the appointments of Alexis Rankin Popik and Edward Cosgrove. She suggested that appointing these individuals would undermine the voters' choice after these 2 incumbents were rejected by the voters at the last election. She stated that there must be other qualified candidates without flaunting the electoral process in citizen's faces.
Robert Dymesky, 4 Drumlin, protested the appointments to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission and stated that the people have spoken and these candidates are not desirable.
Kathy Schultz, Bushy Hill Road, requested an update on providing a pedestrian crossing on Bushy Hill Road near Simsbury Commons. She addressed the appointments to the Planning Commission and the Zoning Commission and questioned whether Mr. Tyszka or Mr. Molloy had planned to serve. She stated that the voters are against Ms. Popik and Mr. Cosgrove serving on these boards.
Kathy Loomis, 500 Firetown Road, Vice President of the North Simsbury Coalition, Inc., noted that the development of the Meadowood project is the third time this applicant has come before the land use boards to develop this parcel. She stated that Mr. Tolisano was involved in the last proposal and requested that the BOS designate Mr. Tolisano to become closely involved with this project and be available to the land use boards.
Ken Jackson, 15 Wolcott Drive, stated that he opposes building a concert venue in the floodplain. He noted that previously the voters rejected a proposal to develop this area and he requested that the floodplain be left alone.
John Loomis, 500 Firetown Road, discussed the soil contamination at the proposed Meadowood site. He requested that the Town hire an independent firm to test, analyze and draw conclusions regarding the soil contamination at this site and not leave those decisions up to the developer.
John Jepson, Hartford Symphony board member, stated that the high school location had been considered in the past and rejected for reasons which have not changed. He stated that the BOS voted to hold next year's festival at the Great Meadow and noted that this property has been used for multiple purposes for many years. He stated that the sewage odors can be controlled for short periods of time and the Hartford Symphony is willing to take the risk that this will not be an issue.
Mr. Mandell read the list of Connecticut's Best Athletes of the Century from Simsbury, as stated in the Hartford Courant.
Mr. Garrity stated that Mr. Sawitzke sent letters to the DOT regarding a pedestrian crossing on Bushy Hill Road and they expect an update at the January 20th Public Safety Subcommittee meeting.
3. STATE OF THE TOWN - FIRST SELECTMAN
Ms. Mielert discussed the Meadowood application procedure and the scheduled meetings regarding this application. She noted that the Simsbury Farms Ice Rink was dedicated on December 18th and many residents were in attendance. Ms. Mielert discussed the efforts of the Social Services Department regarding products donated for the holidays, applications for assistance programs and the creation of a time capsule. She reviewed the budget process and stated that the 1999/2000 audit report has been completed.
Ms. Mielert discussed the Police Chief Search and stated that 10 candidates will be interviewed by 2 Police Chiefs, a Human Resources Director and a Town Manager, all from outside of Simsbury. She stated that during the week of January 24th the Hartford Courant will include a survey regarding Simsbury's police concept, based on customer service, and responses should be sent to Town Hall.
Ms. Mielert stated that the high school special education students' vocational training program will include a student spending Tuesday mornings at the First Selectman's office for 3 months. She stated that on Groundhog Day there will be an employee shadow program at Town Hall for high school students. Ms. Mielert stated that the Visitor's Center had 23 visitors in December and a sign will be installed denoting the center's location. She pointed out the Tourism Committee's new poster for Simsbury.
Ms. Mielert stated that she and Mr. Romano met with the DOT regarding airport noise and airplanes will begin their take off with a hard right turn which was what they did in 1997. She stated that the Town has requested that the DOT measure the effectiveness of this change and the flight tracks to make sure that the change occurs. She stated that the DOT will report back next month. Ms. Mielert noted that currently there is no Hartford Courant reporter assigned to Simsbury.
Mr. Romano moved to amend the agenda to discuss a comment made during Public Audience. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
Mr. Romano suggested that the BOS appoint Mr. Tolisano to support the activities taking place regarding the Meadowood project. Ms. Mielert pointed out that the BOS doesn't direct staff and any change to a job description would involve the union and the Personnel Subcommittee. She noted that Mr. Voelker services the land use commissions. Mr. Romano suggested that the Town needs someone with previous experience in place to assist the land use boards on this project. Mr. Mandell questioned whether Mr. Tolisano is involved in this application, suggesting that it would be surprising if he is not. He requested that they check to make sure Mr. Tolisano is being utilized during this application process.
4. FINANCE
a. Request to Authorize Increase in Ice Rink Capital Project Appropriation
Ms. Mielert read Mr. Toner's memo requesting that this appropriation be increased from $1,561,000 to $1,663,880 to reflect additional sources of funding (Addendum 1). Mr. Mandell moved to adopt Mr. Toner's request pursuant to his letter dated January 10, 2000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent.
Mr. Mandell noted that this is not an appropriation of additional funds for this project.
The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.
b. Authorize Establishment of "Simsbury Police Department Community Services Special Revenue Fund"
Ms. Mielert noted that the Police Department has received donations from the public and needs a Special Revenue Fund in which to place these funds to make sure they are spent on appropriate items.
Mr. Garrity moved to authorize the establishment of a Simsbury Police Department Community Services Special Revenue Fund. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell.
Mr. Mandell commended the fund raising efforts of the Police Department. Specifically, Mr. Mandell commended and discussed the efforts of Lieutenant John Mendela in raising funds for Juvenile Diabetes and the recent "Cans in a Cruiser" campaign in association with the Salvation Army at Simsbury Commons. Mr. Mandell suggested that this Special Revenue Fund may encourage more giving by the community.
The vote was unanimous. The motion carried.
c. Authorize Acceptance of Anonymous Monetary Donation in the Amount of $4,000.00 to Town of Simsbury Social Services Department Pursuant to Section 100-2 of Town Code of Ordinances
Mr. Mandell moved to authorize the acceptance of an anonymous monetary donation in the amount of $4,000 to the Town of Simsbury Social Services Department, pursuant to Section 100-2 of the Town Code of Ordinances. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
5. PLANNING AND CONSERVATION
a. Resolution Authorizing the First Selectman to File an Application For Financial Assistance From the Connecticut Historical Commission in an Amount Not to Exceed $27,800 for Restoration Improvements to Simsbury Town House (Boy Scout Hall)
Mr. Garrity RESOLVED that the First Selectman, Anita L. Mielert, is authorized and directed to file an application on forms prescribed by the Connecticut Historical Commission for financial assistance in accordance with the provisions of Section 10-321, General Statutes of Connecticut, in an amount not to exceed $27,800, and upon approval of said request into and execute a funding agreement with the State for such financial assistance to the Town of Simsbury for restoration improvements to the Simsbury Town House. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Romano.
Ms. Mielert noted the work which was completed due to a previous grant. She discussed the additional ADA compliance work which would be completed if additional funding is granted. She noted that grant funding would have to be matched with capital improvement funds from the Town.
The vote was unanimous. The resolution carried.
6. PUBLIC WORKS
a. Referral of Acceptance of Wooster Road to Planning Commission for Review and Approval Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sections 13a-71 and 8-24, Respectively Ms. Mielert noted receipt of the memo from Mr. Sawitzke (Addendum 2) She stated that the residents on Wooster Road want to see this go forward.
Mr. Mandell moved to refer the acceptance of Wooster Road to the Planning Commission for review and approval pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sections 13a-71 and 8-24, respectively. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.
7. APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS
a. Appointment of Ronald Eisen to Economic Development Commission (Houlihan Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2005
Mr. Mandell moved to appoint Ronald Eisen to the Economic Development Commission (Houlihan vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2005. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
b. Appointment of Richard Derr to Public Building Committee (Lyon seat) for Term to Expire January 2006
Mr. Romano moved to appoint Richard Derr to the Public Building Committee (Lyon seat) for a term to expire in January 2006. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
c. Appointment of R. Pierce Clayberger to Conservation Commission (Pech Vacancy) for Term to Expire January 2006
Mr. Mandell moved to appoint R. Pierce Clayberger to the Conservation Commission (Pech vacancy) for a term to expire in January 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
d. Resignation of Valerie E. Beaudreau From Zoning Board of Appeals Effective December 10, 1999
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of Valerie E. Beaudreau from the Zoning Board of Appeals, with great thanks, effective December 10, 1999. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
e. Resignation of John J. Molloy From Planning Commission (Alternate) Effective December 20, 1999
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of John J. Molloy from the Planning Commission (Alternate), effective December 20, 1999. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously.
f. Appointment of Alexis Rankin Popik to Planning Commission (Alternate - Molloy Vacancy) for Term to Expire December 3, 2001
Mr. Garrity moved to appoint Alexis Rankin Popik to the Planning Commission (Alternate - Molloy vacancy) for a term to expire December 3, 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell.
Mr. Romano stated that the appointment of Ms. Popik would not be in keeping with the voters' wishes and there should not be a back door policy to get onto the commission if you're not voted onto the commission. Ms. Gilkey stated that Ms. Popik lost the election based on issues and the voters made their wishes known in the voting booth, the same voters who voted the BOS into office. She stated that she does not dispute the minority party's right to fill this vacancy, but feels she would be remiss to go against the wishes of the voters. Mr. Mandell stated that based on the comments during Public Audience he is unsure of this appointment.
Mr. Mandell moved to table this motion for reconsideration by the Democratic Town Committee, in light of public comment. The motion was seconded by Mr. Vincent.
Ms. Mielert stated that the Democratic Town Committee voted on this appointment and the candidate is a professional in planning and has served on the Planning Commission. She questioned how this appointee can be considered damaged goods due to the election and suggested that the volunteer pool will shrink if it appears that you are not a good appointee if you are not in the majority. Mr. Garrity stated that the Town needs people with experience on the boards and commissions, particularly with big projects coming forward. He noted that in the past a political candidate lambasted the Planning Commission and then was appointed to that commission by the BOS. He suggested that the lack of support for this appointment is purely political.
The vote to table the motion was 4-2, with Ms. Mielert and Mr. Garrity voting nay. The motion carried.
g. Resignation of William Tyszka from Zoning Commission (Alternate) Effective December 21, 1999
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of William Tyszka from the Zoning Commission (Alternate), effective December 21, 1999. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
h. Appointment of Edward M. Cosgrove to Zoning Commission (Alternate) For a Term to Expire December 3, 2001
Mr. Mandell moved to table the appointment of Edward M. Cosgrove to the Zoning Commission for reconsideration by the Democratic Town Committee, in light of public comment. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano. The vote was 4-2, with Ms. Mielert and Mr. Garrity voting nay.
i. Resignation of Ellen Mandell from Tourism Committee Effective December 14, 1999
Mr. Mandell moved to accept the resignation of Ellen Mandell from the Tourism Committee, with thanks, effective December 14, 1999. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
j. Appointment of Judith Lamb to Tourism Committee (Mandell Vacancy) for Term to Expire December 2001
Ms. Gilkey moved to appoint Judith Lamb to the Tourism Committee (Mandell vacancy) for a term to expire in December 2001. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mandell and carried unanimously.
k. Reappointment of Rose Pollock, Irene Haigh, David Thorgalsen, George Waterhouse, Carol Cunin, Margaret Curtin, Lois Calvert, Kathy Oakes, Dorothy Swenson, Joyce Howard and Liz Banco to Tourism Committee for Term to Expire December 2001
Mr. Garrity moved to reappoint Rose Pollock, Irene Haigh, David Thorgalsen, George Waterhouse, Carol Cunin, Margaret Curtin, Lois Calvert, Kathy Oakes, Dorothy Swenson, Joyce Howard and Liz Banco to the Tourism Committee for a term to expire in December 2001. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
l. Reappointment of M. Lecours-Beck, James Polomski, Maureen Davis, Walter Zalaski, Gerald Rourke, Courtney Desautell, Gerard Toner, John Thibeault, Marilyn Rotondo, and Reverend Rachel Bickford to Juvenile Review Board for Term to Expire December 2001
Mr. Mandell moved to reappoint M. Lecours-Beck, James Polomski, Maureen Davis, Walter Zalaski, Gerald Rourke, Courtney Desautell, Gerard Toner, John Thibeault, Marilyn Rotondo, and Reverend Rachel Bickford to the Juvenile Review Board for a term to expire in December 2001. The motion was seconded by Ms. Gilkey and carried unanimously.
8. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Public Safety
Mr. Garrity reported that the next Public Safety Subcommittee meeting is January 20th and they will address the traffic light at the intersection of Climax Road and Bushy Hill Road.
b. Finance: No report.
c. Welfare: No report.
d. Personnel: No report.
e. Regional Affairs: No report.
9. LIAISON REPORTS
Mr. Mandell reported the Zoning Commission is reviewing the temporary sign ordinance and will work with the Chamber of Commerce on a more workable system.
Ms. Gilkey reported that the Board of Ethics will have a meeting on January 25th at which they will discuss changes in the code as suggested by the Town Attorney. She stated that the Health & Welfare Commission will be discussing educational programs at a public meeting on February 14th at the library.
10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 13, 1999 Regular Meeting
Mr. Mandell moved to approve the minutes of the December 13, 1999 Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Romano and carried unanimously.
11. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Romano moved to enter Executive Session at 8:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garrity and carried unanimously. The Board came out of Executive Session at approximately 10:00PM. No action was taken.
Approved January 24, 2000
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